Bulldogs advance to Regionals

The Wayne Bulldogs picked up a 44-41 win over Strother in the District tournament. They lost a close, 69-66, game to Southwest Covenant on Saturday. Both Wayne and Southwest Covenant move on to Area.

The Bulldogs play Thomas-Fay-Custer (3-19) today (Thursday) at 3 p.m. at Southwest Covenant in Yukon.

Wayne took an early 2-0 lead over Strother last Friday, but struggled to make shots and fell behind 16-4 after the first quarter.

Despite being down and struggling offensively, the Bulldogs regained the lead in the fourth quarter and pulled out the three point win.

“We kept chipping away. The guys didn’t give up and they played like they wanted it more,” head coach Jackson Embry said.

Senior Kaleb Madden had 18 points in the win. Jaxon Dill joined him in double figures with 12.

“Kaleb had a good game. He’s been struggling to get the ball in the hole, but this was a game that helped his shooting.”

Wyatt Webster, who had six points in the win, was another Bulldog who Embry said played a big role in the win.

The win on Friday set up a game with host Southwest Covenant.

“We knew they were a ranked team and it would be a tough game,” Embry said.

The Patriots held a 41-30 lead at halftime. But, once again, Wayne chipped away and outscored the Patriots in the third and the score was tied up, 52-all.

“We took the lead in the fourth quarter but Wyatt fouled out and that put us in a bind,” Embry said.

With under 20 seconds left, SW Covenant hit a three to take the lead.

“We had the shot we wanted in the end – a contested shot by Kaleb, but it didn’t fall.

“That game was a big confidence booster for us. We played well with a ranked team,” Embry said.

Kaleb finished with 26 points. Taylen Bryant had 15 while Dill added 13.

“Jaxon hit his free throws down the stretch for us which was helpful. And Bradey Vanschuyver handled his own with a guy several inches taller than him. He also handled the ball well.”

Last Tuesday Wayne picked up a 54-40 win over Maysville on senior night.

“We had been struggling. And, now is the time to be playing our best basketball. The win over Maysville was a great game to help the guys find their shot and build confidence before the District tournament,” Embry said.

Wayne held a sizeable lead in the game and that allowed them to get some reserves in for much needed reps.

Madden and Dill were the high scorers in the game with 17 and 15. Bryant added eight.

Wayne advanced to Regionals in 2021 where they lost to Arkoma 61-50.

Girls

The Wayne girls were in Yukon last Friday taking on the Lady Patriots of Southwest Covenant. They fell 66-40 in the first round of the District tournament.

“They were just bigger, stronger and faster than we were,” head coach Bill Burnett said.

Junior Jordynn Debaets led the Lady Bulldogs with 18 points in the loss. Senior Kaylee Madden added 17.

“Jordynn has done a good job this season. She’s had some big games and has taken the pressure off of Kaylee at times,” Burnett said.

Last Tuesday, Wayne lost a close game with Maysville, 36-31.

“It was a defensive battle. We cut it close, within one or two, but couldn’t get over the hump.

“I think if we could have ever taken the lead, we would have held on to it, but we couldn’t get that one possession or one stop to take the lead,” Burnett said.

Debaets was again the leading scorer with 17. Madden added eight.

Wayne, 11-14 on the season, graduates just one senior, Kaylee Madden.